The world’s most popular sedan with over 44 million units sold worldwide, the Toyota Corolla, is now available in an exclusive variant in the UAE, loaded with new refined and sophisticated features.

Available in limited quantities, the 2019 Corolla XLi Exclusive marks the newest and most premium addition to the Corolla line-up. It comes with a refined, advanced, and sophisticated styling which sets it apart in its segment. Building on the nameplate’s heritage carrying on the legacy as a symbol of quality, durability and reliability in the medium size sedan segment.

The vehicle is designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience powered by a proven 1.6-litre in-line four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 15.7 kg-m of torque. Complementing the enhanced performance is the Multidrive 7S transmission that delivers unprecedented best-in-class fuel economy of 18.1 Km / L. The new Corolla is both fun and efficient!

Safety is a top priority for Toyota and being a family sedan first and foremost, the 2019 Corolla Xli Exclusive is loaded with a host of safety features including an advanced vehicle stability system, a tire pressure warning system, rear fog lamps, ISO-FIX and two airbags.

Inside, the cabin is more premium than ever, bringing a new level of chic craftsmanship with a warm comfortable interior that further enhances both the driver and the passager’s experience. The new Corolla Xli Exclusive is available in eight exterior paint choices, with body coloured door handles and mirrors that complement the new styling.

“Ever since its introduction in 1966, the Toyota Corolla nameplate has become synonymous with reliability, value for money and bullet-proof build quality and the latest iteration is set to drive that legend forward. The 2019 Corolla lives up to its decades-old heritage and promises unrivalled practicality and value for money,” said Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota.

The Toyota Corolla 2019 XLi is now available for purchase at Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms across the UAE, for AED 75,500 inclusive of VAT. It can be booked for a test drive through www.toyota.ae.

Volvo Cars has added a new title to its XC40’s string of awards being named the Supreme Winner of 2018 Women’s World Car of the Year to that list – the only car awards in the world voted entirely by women motoring writers. 34 jurors from 27 countries selected Volvo’s first compact SUV as the best new car of the year for women. In two anonymous rounds of votes, the XC40 prevailed against five competing models.

The world’s only automobile award dedicated for women reflects the growing importance of women as an independent customer group as well as their purchasing power. Automakers are considering criteria important to women when buying a car, shown in the WWCOTY decision making process. The award is measured by safety, price-performance, appearance, storage space, child-friendliness, comfort and environmental footprint, as well as color options and desirability.

“Holding the title of “Family Car of the Year 2018”, it comes as no surprise that the XC40 took first place in the 2018 Women’s World Car of the Year. Winning this award highlights Volvo Cars’ dedication to providing a first-class product to women and their families,” said Hakan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars. “This award also endorses the XC40 as a game changer in the industry boosting the right combination of design, comfort and safety that appeals to both men and women around the world.”

“With women driving the transformation of the automotive market in the region, addressing the aspirations of the new female customer segment is an indispensable part of our vision.” Samuelsson added.

Safety and driver assistance features on the XC40 include Volvo Cars’ Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and the 360° Camera that helps drivers maneuvertheir car into tight parking spaces.

The XC40 also offers ingenious interior design and storage ideas with more functional storage space in the doors and under the seats, a special space for phones including inductive charging, a foldout hook for small bags, plus a removable waste bin in the tunnel console.

In 2017, the company announced its commitment to electrify all Volvo Cars launched from 2019. In line with this leadership position in electrification, a hybridised as well as a pure electric powertrain option for the XC40 will be added later.

Joining the jury panel of Women’s World Car of the Year for 2019 is Alix Capper Murdoch. She comes with an impressive background in broadcasting, driver training and media communications all connected with motor racing and the motoring industry.

The Scotswomanbegan her career with the Royal Air Force as a driver before studying media at Aberdeen University. During that time she became the pit-lane commentator at Knockhill,Scotland’s only racing circuit, as well as presenting on local radio.

Between those duties she ranthe Clio Cup team, Xcel Motorsport, in the British Touring Car and ASCAR championships until a chance encounter with the GM of Dubai Autodromesaw her move to the Middle East. She then began life as a racing instructor, host of a motoring radio show and a judge for Autocar M.E.magazine. She also set up and ran the first manufacturer-backed racing championship in the region, the Maserati Trofeo Middle East.

In 2005 she was chosen to host a motoring television show and became the ‘voice’ of GP2 Asia. From there she worked with Formula One management as official commentator for GP2 Asia and Speedcar. All the while she continued to teach driving skills and started her own training as a stunt driver and a FIA official.

More than 10 years on saw Alix still working in radio and as an official for most of the track days at the local circuit. She became the most senior female official in Race and Rally Control for most motorsport events in the region including the Yas Marina Circuit (Formula One Chief Coms), the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and the World Cross Countries Rally.

During this time, she appeared in no fewer than 20 films and television commercials and became the founder of Women at the Wheel, a course helping women overcome driving fears while introducing them to modern safety features.

As if all that wasn’t enough, Alix continued writing for automotive magazines including Top Gear Middle Eastand The National, the region’s leading newspaper; she hosted the live stage at the DubaiInternational Motor Show and two television shows covering automotive topics and reviews on four wheels and two.

Alix was then head-hunted to spend the summer working in Europe as a vehicle product specialist and trainer where she had to deliver a formidable list of all relevant information about new vehicles.

A year ago, Alix launched Miss Auto Know, which she describes as ‘a safe place for women to ask questions, gather information and seek advice on all things auto’. It has grown substantially.

“I find myself travelling a lot, writing articles, hosting events and running courses to help women,” she says, almost as an understatement given her (literal) track record.

She and her husband Simonhave now moved to Cyprus with their six rescue cats. They have all taken up residence between Limassol and Paphos.

Recently we ventured into Jordan to drive the all-new Duster, the unstoppable SUV with Renault Middle East. While offering a range of high-quality, new features, the reinvented SUV will still retain the same level of affordability that the name ‘Duster’ is celebrated for.

The all-new Renault Duster boasts brand-new exterior styling, delivering a distinctly assertive and robust look, as well as an upgrade in perceived quality with a totally redesigned interior for a comfortable and user-friendly driving experience.

Since its global launch in 2010, more than 2.45 million Duster models have been sold across the world under the Renault and Dacia brands. The SUV for everyday motoring has been popular with drivers across the globe, with exceptional sales results recorded in Russia, India, Brazil and the Middle East.

The Duster’s roominess, affordability and off-road capabilities have long been recognised as the model’s strengths and the all-new models continues to carry these desirable attributes.

The SUV’s exterior has been given a more robust look thanks to the addition of a wide chrome-finish grille, which extends to the head lights positioned at the car’s front corners. A front skid plate reinforces the Duster’s adventurer credentials and ensures that the vehicle never loses its smart looks. Finished with Renault’s signature C-shaped lighting with LED daytime running lights the Duster is a modern SUV with a rugged personality.

Inside, the Duster is equipped with new, high-quality, driving aids and new equipment, making it a genuine adventure-ready SUV which offers the versatility and comfort for everyday driving. On stepping inside the cabin, the noticeable difference in quality is instantly recognisable – packed with ‘Easy Life’ features like Hill Descent Control, Multiview camera and Blind Spot Warning, 4×4 monitor, automatic air conditioning, Remote Engine Start (GCC only), seven-inch touchscreen tablet and Renault smart card with keyless entry system – as well as quality trims and materials.

The all-new Duster is available in both 2WD and 4WD specifications and offers among the market’s very best off-road capability. With a choice of two petrol engines; 1.6L (4×2) mated to a CVT automatic transmission, and 2.0L with automatic transmission (4×4), the Duster is an SUV equipped for any terrain.

Commenting on the launch of the all-new Duster, Marwan Haidamous, Renault Middle East Managing Director said, “Before the arrival to the region of the original Duster in 2012, there was little awareness of the Renault brand in the Middle East; the original Duster was responsible for boosting the brand’s awareness. Now, six years on, we are welcoming the all-new Duster which will, again, reinvent and reinvigorate the brand to new levels of performance and positive opinion – pushing us further towards our goal of being ‘best in class’.”

As a full-size luxury SUV, the Lincoln Navigator (Presidential) comes with indulgent luxury touch points at every turn, evident from the moment I opened the door for my one week drive experience.

Capable of producing 450 horsepower and 691 Nm of torque, the Lincoln Presidential made me feel like I owned the road. The twin-turbo 3.5-litre engine provides power delivered through a 10-speed transmission. Twin-turbocharged engine technology provided the fuel economy on demand, with the power and performance I needed and desired for different drive modes.

Inside, the three rows seats offer ample space and the front of the interior layout is clean and uncluttered, with a simple, soothing ambience. The all-new Navigator comes with six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets, a 230-volt plug and a wireless phone charger in the first-row centre console. Individual driver preferences can be set for adapting seat, mirror and pedal positions, as well as climate control and entertainment settings.

A standard rear-seat entertainment system allows passengers to stream content wirelessly with their device to one of the 10-inch adjustable screens mounted on the rear of the front seats. Content also can be accessed from SD cards, an HDMI cable or USB drive.

Each screen can display different content, allowing a personalised entertainment experience for every passenger enjoyed using Revel® Ultima audio with 20 speakers that work in concert with Navigator’s interior design and acoustics.

The 360-degree camera and Enhanced Park Assist is a saviour for divers who stress about parallel and perpendicular parking. The system integrates views from four cameras to create an overhead image so the driver can see all around the vehicle.

The exterior of the Lincoln Navigator Presidential has an enhanced design language that is both bold and flashy and fits into the full-size luxury SUV segment. It is an athletic yet refined silhouette that makes it appealing to both men and women who need to make a style statement.

Driving the Lincoln Presidential for a week was an absolute delight – it offered me a uniquely elevated automotive experience that my love for combined luxury, sport and regal design in one space. It is the answer to luxury travel on wheels, perfect for road trips and equally at home in front of a luxury hotel entrance.

Since its debut in 1982 and subsequent evolution over eight generations, Toyota Camry has come to be embraced by people around the world for its excellent performance, ride quality, and high level of Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR).

The new electrified version of the Camry cements Toyota’s continued efforts to create ever-better cars and further reiterates its commitment to environmental sustainability. The all-new Camry HEV provides a comfortable and stable ride with superior handling characteristics while injecting a fun driving experience.

Thecar can be driven entirelybyeither electricalpower with zero-fuel consumption and carbon emissions,or with a combination of a petrol engine and two electric motors depending on the vehicle speed and customer’s driving behavior.The batteries in the hybrid electricdrivetrain are automatically chargedby either the petrol engine or when braking and decelerating,eliminatingthe need to plug in a power cord.

Suzan Kazzi, Head of Corporate Communications at Al-Futtaim Toyota mentioned at the launch event that Camry HEV has been leading the sustainable mobility march since 2008, being the first marque that pioneered the HEV technology in the UAE. The company has launched several hybrid electric vehiclesin the past two decades, leading to a steady rise in the adoption of its environment-friendly cars.

The interior features a distinctive design and offers convenience and comfort with a layer of luxury and a range of advanced features. This includes a wireless charging system for smartphones, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, six-speaker sound system, multi-adjustable power front seats, and 60/40 split and reclining rear seats, among many others.

The all-new Camry HEV model also introduces thelatest in-vehicle information technology displays, offering a unique level of integrated information with minimal distraction. It relays information through 2 available interlinked displays; a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, and an eight-inch audio/navigationcontrol panel that is seamlessly integrated into the center console in a modern, flush-surface design.

Acomprehensive array of safety features has been added to protect vehicle occupants, including six SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA),Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), as well as an enhanced body structure and platform structure, among many others.

Available in eight distinctive exterior and three interior colors, and 18-inch alloy wheels, the all-new Camry HEV lets customers express their individuality.The car is available across all Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms.

While Volvo Cars’s electrification strategy does not envision direct ownership of charging or service stations, the investment in FreeWire reinforces its overall commitment to supporting a widespread transition to electric mobility together with other partners.

FreeWire is a San Francisco-based company that has been a pioneer in flexible fast-charging technology for electric cars. It specialises in both stationary and mobile fast charging technology, allowing electric car charging to be deployed quickly and widely.

Installing traditional fixed fast-charging stations is usually a cost- and labour intensive process that requires a lot of electrical upgrades to support the connection between charging stations and the main electrical grid. FreeWire’s charging stations remove that complication and use low-voltage power, allowing operators to simply use existing power outlets. This means drivers can enjoy all the benefits of fast charging without operators needing to go through the hassle of establishing a high-voltage connection to the grid.

Volvo Cars has one of the auto industry’s most ambitious electrification strategies. Every new Volvo car launched from 2019 will be electrified, and by 2025 the company aims for fully electric cars to make up 50 per cent of its overall global sales.

“Volvo Cars’ future is electric, as reflected by our industry-leading commitment to electrify our entire product range,” said Zaki Fasihuddin, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. “To support wider consumer adoption of electric cars, society needs to make charging an electric car as simple as filling up your tank. Our investment in FreeWire is a firm endorsement of the company’s ambitions in this area.”

“Freewire’s fast charging technology holds great promise to simplify the experience for customers of electrified Volvos,” said Atif Rafiq, chief digital officer at Volvo Cars. “With this move, we aim to make the future of sustainable, electric cars more practical and convenient.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Volvo Cars to develop new markets and business models around our EV fast charging and ultra-fast charging technology,” said Arcady Sosinov, CEO of FreeWire. “Having a car maker with both the legacy and future vision of Volvo is going to give us access to technology, testing, and new strategies that will really accelerate the growth of the company.”

The Volvo Cars Tech Fund was launched earlier this year and aims to invest in high-potential technology start-ups around the globe. It focuses its investments on strategic technology trends transforming the auto industry, such as artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomous drive and digital mobility services.

Earlier this year, the Volvo Cars Tech Fund announced its first investment in Luminar Technologies, a leading start-up in the development of advanced sensor technology for use in autonomous vehicles, with whom Volvo Cars collaborates on the development and testing of its LiDAR sensing technology on Volvo cars.

Companies benefit from participation by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund as they may gain the ability to validate technologies, accelerate market introduction, as well as potentially access Volvo Cars’ global network and unique position in the Chinese car market.

At the recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the coveted gold ribbon that designates the “Best of Show” car was placed on the magnificent deep blue bodywork of a 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta.

The Italian masterpiece fought off competition from 209 cars from 17 countries, all of which were displayed on the eighteenth fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. Before being proclaimed “Best of Show” the car triumphed in its class and also received two other major awards – the “Charles A. Chayne” trophy and the “J.B. & Dorothy Nethercutt Most Elegant Closed Car” prize.

The car, first seen at the 1938 Berlin Motor Show, differs from later 8C 2900B Touring models with its more steeply raked grille and lack of running boards, and recently received a full restoration to return it to its original specification.

This is the third time in the history of Pebble Beach that the Alfa Romeo brand has taken home the Best of Show award, and every time it has been with the 8C 2900B model with Touring bodywork – first in 1988 with a spider version and then in 2008 with a coupé.

Recently we ventured into Jordan to drive the all-new Duster, the unstoppable SUV with Renault Middle East. While offering a range of high-quality, new features, the reinvented SUV retains the same level of affordability that the name ‘Duster’ is celebrated for.

The all-new Renault Duster boasts keyless entry, brand-new exterior styling, delivering a distinctly assertive and robust look, as well as an upgrade in perceived quality with a totally redesigned interior for a comfortable and user-friendly driving experience.

The SUV’s exterior is enhanced thanks to the addition the wide chrome-finish grille, which extends to the headlights positioned at the car’s front corners. Although visually more muscular than before, the Duster has the same compact dimensions with a wider front and rear and its robust stance is emphasized by its bold, more horizontal lines.

A front skid plate reinforces the Duster’s adventurer credentials and ensures that the vehicle never loses its smart looks. Finished with Renault’s signature C-shaped lighting with LED daytime running lights the Duster is a modern SUV with a rugged personality.

New aluminium roof bars and more prominent front and rear skid plates point to the All-New Duster’s adventurer credentials. New 17-inch wheels ensure an even more assertive profile.

Inside, the Duster is equipped with new, high-quality, driving aids and new equipment, making it a genuine adventure-ready SUV which offers the versatility and comfort for everyday driving.

The interior has been thoroughly updated for upgraded comfort and to make the model even more practical in everyday use. The steeply raked windscreen makes the cabin feel bigger, while its acoustics have been significantly improved and cabin insulation significantly reduces noise from outside the car.

The all-new Duster is available in both 2WD and 4WD specifications and offers among the market’s very best off-road capability. With a choice of two petrol engines; 1.6L (4×2) mated to a CVT automatic transmission, and 2.0L with automatic transmission (4×4), the Duster is an SUV equipped for any terrain.

The Duster’s roominess, affordability and off-road capabilities have long been recognised as the model’s strengths and the all-new models continues to carry these desirable attributes. The SUV has been popular with drivers across the globe, with exceptional sales results records. With an off-road ability among the very best in its class, it is now even more fun to drive.

Originally founded in May 1999 by British entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper, who invited his influential friends to join him on a driving adventure across Europe, the annual Gumball 3000 tour has evolved, over the years, into a week-long festival of live music concerts, action sports and spectacular car shows hosted in capital cities, achieving live crowds of over a million people, with a televised and online audience that reaches over 100 million households in 60 countries.

2018 sees the event celebrating its 20th Anniversary with an epic road trip travelling from London to Tokyo from 4 August to 12 August, with just 100 cars participating in this very special Anniversary Rally.

Team Alfa, represented by Gargash, the official distributor of Alfa Romeo in the UAE, will have two special vehicles taking part – a Stelvio Quadrifoglio and a Giulia Quadrifoglio – both sporting unique purple exteriors.

Shehab Gargash, who has taken part in three previous Gumball Rallies, and his co-drivers, Ahmed Al Matrooshi and Jason Appleton, along with three leading Middle East influencers and an Alfa enthusiast selected through a competition based around social media engagement, will have the experience of a lifetime travelling across the world from London to Tokyo.

The official opening of the event is on August 4 in London, with the actual rally starting with a drive to Chantilly in France on August 5, then continuing on to Milan and Bologna in Italy, before flying via Emirates to Osaka in Japan on August 7 – there will then be a further driving stage from Osaka to Tokyo via Kyoto and Nanao, with an official closing party being held in Tokyo on August 12.

“Alfa Romeo has brought the brand’s values of passion, sporty style, exquisite taste and performanceto the UAE and is rapidly becoming a favourite with a whole new generation of drivers,” said Simon Ellis, General Manager, Gargash Alfa Romeo. “The participation of Gargash with Alfa Romeo cars in this rally is an exciting new chapter for both brands, creating yet another trend among true car enthusiasts. We look forward to how this will help build further excitement about Alfa Romeo in the UAE market, and we’re confident of a positive outcome”.

Founded in Milan, Italy in 1910, five key elements have made Alfa Romeo one of the world’s most desirable automotive brands – advanced technology, lightness and efficiency, performance and dynamism, distinctive Italian design and a unique spirit. These are the essential ingredients to create an Alfa Romeo and which deliver ‘la meccanica delle emozioni’ (‘the mechanics of emotions’ in English). This distinctive line, used worldwide in Italian only, pays homage to the homeland where the legend was born over a century ago.

The modern-daystandard-bearers of the new Alfa Romeo generation, the Giulia and Stelvio both bear the legendary Quadrifoglio badge, which certifies their qualities in terms of class-topping performance, handling and weight/power ratio, specific external and internal features, exclusive powerplants and a genuine Alfa Romeo sound. Equipped with powerful, all-aluminium 510hp six-cylinder 2.9-litre turbo petrol engines, they see a new page being written for the brand that never ceases to surprise with a model that combines the past, present and future and are the most brilliant examples of Alfa Romeo’s automobile design, style and technical excellence.

Conceived as a good-luck charm in the heroic period of motorsports, the Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover) – written with a capital ‘Q’ – has distinguished the sports and industrial history of Alfa Romeo and has become the logo for race cars and the more powerful and exclusive road vehicles.

The first Quadrifoglio emblems were painted directly onto cars. Later, when the Quadrifoglio became a feature of production vehicles it was changed into a badge. The Quadrifoglio badge is designed and individually handcrafted in Italy, elevating the emblem itself almost to a work of art.